Career and Education Opportunities for Geographic Information Systems Analysts in Colorado

Colorado has a population of 5,024,748, which has grown by 16.82% over the past decade. Nicknamed the "Centennial State," Colorado's capital and largest city is Denver.

The national trend for geographic information systems analysts sees this job pool growing by about 26.2% over the next eight years. Geographic information systems analysts generally study nature and use of areas of earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena.

Income for geographic information systems analysts is about $35 hourly or $72,800 annually on average in Colorado. Nationally, their income is about $32 per hour or $66,600 yearly. Earnings for geographic information systems analysts are better than earnings in the general category of Social Sciences in Colorado and not quite as good as general Social Sciences category earnings nationally. Jobs in this field include: environmental affairs corporate director, imagery analyst, and gis physical scientist .

In 2008, there were a total of 3,285,413 jobs in Colorado. The average annual income was $43,021 in 2008, up from $42,449 the previous year. The unemployment rate in Colorado was 7.7% in 2009, which has grown by 2.8% since the previous year. About 32.7% of Colorado residents have college degrees, which is higher than the national average.

The top industries in Colorado include professional equipment merchant wholesalers, computer peripheral equipment merchant wholesalers, and repair. Notable tourist attractions include the Fine and Dandy Gourmet Baskets & Gifts, the Historic Denver Inc, and the Aviation & Space Center of the Rockies.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Geographic Information Systems Analyst

In general, geographic information systems analysts study nature and use of areas of earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. They also conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

Every day, geographic information systems analysts are expected to be able to articulate ideas and problems. They need to listen to and understand others in meetings. It is also important that they write clearly and communicate well.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Colorado include:

Atmospheric Scientist. Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

Community Planner. Compile data from various sources, such as maps, reports, and field and file investigations, for use by city planner in making planning studies.

Economist. Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to aid in solution of economic problems arising from production and distribution of goods and services. May collect and process economic and statistical data using econometric and sampling techniques.

Forester. Manage forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine the best time for harvesting. Develop forest management plans for public and privately-owned forested lands.

Geological Specialist. Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, and seismologists.

Historian. Research, analyze, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

Hydrologist. Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Industrial Psychologist. Apply principles of psychology to personnel, administration, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee screening, training and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to reorganize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

Market Research Analyst. Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to determine potential sales of a product or service. May gather information on competitors, prices, and methods of marketing and distribution. May use survey results to create a marketing campaign based on regional preferences and buying habits.

Market Survey Representative. Design or conduct surveys. May supervise interviewers who conduct the survey in person or over the telephone. May present survey results to client.

School Psychologist. Investigate processes of learning and teaching and develop psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems.

Urban Planner. Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of local jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, and metropolitan areas.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Colorado

Colorado photo by Wayne L. Bart

Colorado has a population of 5,024,748, which has grown by 16.82% over the past 10 years. Nicknamed the "Centennial State," Colorado's capital and most populous city is Denver. In 2008, there were a total of 3,285,413 jobs in Colorado. The average annual income was $43,021 in 2008, up from $42,449 the preceding year. The unemployment rate in Colorado was 7.7% in 2009, which has grown by 2.8% since the previous year. Approximately 32.7% of Colorado residents have college degrees, which is higher than the national average.

The top industries in Colorado include professional equipment merchant wholesalers, computer peripheral equipment merchant wholesalers, and repair. Notable tourist destinations include the Fine and Dandy Gourmet Baskets & Gifts, the Denver City & County Government, and the Friends of Historic FT Logan.